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£500 shopping spree - what should I buy?

My lovely mum has inherited some money and wants us to go on a clothes shopping trip together with £500 to spend each. But what should I look for?.......

I am 37, size 14, don't really know how to describe my shape - fairly big norks balanced by hefty saddle-bags , 5ft 9, always wear make-up etc and strive to appear stylish rather than fashionable. I work p/t so have some smart work outfits but then sloppy jeans etc for weekends. Most of my wardrobe is made up of dresses, mainly from M&S, as they suit my shape but I'm stuck in a rut. Should I go for a few good quality things or should I totally refresh my wardrobe with lots of cheaper stuff?

What shops are good? I mainly get clothes on-line so am a bit out of touch. I have idled into the White Stuff before and liked what I saw but thought it was all a tad over-priced. Also wondered about The Gap.

What about a personal shopper in Debenhams/John Lewis? They will show you what will suit you/flatter your shape and colouring.That would be a nice thing to do with your Mom as well.I agree with Anna about then maybe getting some more expensive items that will last and you can build up your wardrobe round that.

You lucky thing! And how nice of your mum to suggest it. If I were you I would do a proper wardrobe audit - take a good look at what you have and try and work out what you need most - i.e. perhaps you have loads of tops and hardly any trousers. Try and think about what you could get that would go with items you already have.

I agree with Anna that it might be nice to get a couple of nice expensive classics - perhaps some really well-cut trousers or jeans that you can wear with everything, or a lovely jacket. Then, with what you have left over, you could buy a couple of cheaper, more fashionable items to perk up your current wardrobe - some gladiator sandals, a patterned throw or scarf, something like that.

If you always wear sloppy jeans, then getting some properly fitted ones that you can dress up or down would definitely be on the list too. Gap is good for jeans, and their sales staff are usually helpful. You will need to bite the bullet and try on lots and lots of different pairs but it is worth it to find some that really fit properly.

I'd go for some really good classic basics over seasonal 'fashion' items. How about something along the lines of:

- Cashmere sweater (navy / black / beige)- Dark denim / good jeans (7 for all mankind are great IMO)- Pencil skirt- Silver cuff (nice to have something to keep (as a memory of the person and occasion, as it's an inheritance)- White good quality cotton shirt or top- Funky printed Pucci-esque shirt- Maybe a nice scarf if any money left over

You could make about 3 outfits with those items alone, let alone mixing with other items!

If it was me I'd hit make a day of it, maybe go to London and visit somewhere like Selfridges or Harvey Nicks.

I agree with what others have said re: buying a couple of more long-term investment-type pieces and then a few cheaper pieces.

I would be tempted by:- a great bag in a 'step up' from the places you usually shop in - so if normally Next, go to Ted Baker etc- a cashmere or silk/wool mix jumper or cardigan in a colour and shape that works with lots of things in your wardrobe- a pair (or couple) of really well-fitting jeans, again in a step up from your usual brand - so if you normally wear New Look Hulas, go for Gap long and lean etc- a piece of jewellery that you love and that you can wear with many outfits: personally I'd go for a striking silver necklace but I like the suggestion of a cuff as well- silk scarf or pashmina

Oh wow brilliant advice thanks so much ladies! I had thought of trying the Gok approach but wasn't sure if I could do that thing of trying on clothes that I wouldn't normally. Would a personal shopper be interested in me and mum with that sort of cash - I always thought you had to be some minted-up executive wife type and into designer gear?! I did wonder about Selfridges - mum might be a bit intimidated though. We are near Tunbridge Wells and Brighton or we could go to Bluewater or somesuch I guess....

I am really grateful for ideas on key pieces - thank you - and there does seem to be some consensus. SO -

a better pair of jeans (mine are M&S and Dotty P so Gap would be a step up). My sis in law who is a wealthy minx does swear by 7 For All Mankind as suggested but to me they look like they are for slim ladies only.

a cashmere jumper or cardie

wide-legged trousers (have one pair from Next and they are the only flattering trousers I have)

a good bag (again mine is M&S so something a mite posher would be ace - I do LOVE bags )

a decent shirt

some accessories or one good piece of jewellery

I have got a yearning for a mac (have never owned one and they look so chic) and a tailored denim jacket if such a thing exists......

Oh and interested in the colours thing but I do love black and would hate it if they told me I couldn't wear it!! I'm not too bad to be honest - have quite a variety of colours in the wardrobe but don't stray into 'fashion' colours too often.

John Lewis in Bluewater have 7 for all Mankind jeans up to a 34 inch waist (I was browsing last week). Also Paige jeans are meant to be very flattering for a curvy figure (JL have them too).

I'd buy 4 or 5 choice items that will last for years - handbag, jewellery, jacket, a nice pair of shoes...you can go to the high street shops to buy vest tops etc anytime, and you won't remember when you look at them in 6 months time where they came from!

another thing to do as you have money to spend, is once you are in a big store try on stuff you might not normally do - it is interesting to see how different shapes, clothes look - you might be surprised at what suits you!Personal shopper great idea, they will get you stuff, your sizes and also chose you things you might not think about have a great day, that is such a great gift!

I would buy a posh leather handbag/coat/cashmere or silk scarf/jewellery, classic things that will instantly make your outfit look expensive and chic and that won't wear out, you can mix them with very plain high street stuff and still look a million dollars.

This is how I've justified the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag I've just bought myself .